Physical-training device



Vv'. M. ALASTALC) PHYSICAL TRAINING DEVICE @ma 9 wm.

Filed Sl'. 13 1923 @gli um Patented @et 14, 1924.

UNITED STATES WILJO U. ALASTALO, F NEW YORK, N. Y.

PHYSICAL-TRAINING DEVICE.

Application filed September 13, 1923. Serial No. 662,371.

10 all whomv t may concern.'

Be it known that I, Timo U. ALAs- TALO, a citizen of Finland, residing at New York, in the county of N ew York and State of N ew York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Physical rI raining Devices, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to physical training devices and has for its object to provide a device for the development of different muscles of the legs and also of the arms, the abdomen and incidentally other parts of the body.

The device constituting the subject of this invention is adapted to be attached to the feet of the user and is provided with means for the attachment of hand straps or the like, so that the user, when exercising with his legs, while in lying position, may not only assist the leg movements by hand, but thereby also develop the muscles of the arms and of the abdomen or other parts of his body.

Another object of this invention is to construct the device, so that it will be comparatively simple and inexpensive.

Other objects will appear from the detailed description of this invention.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my new device; Fig. 2 a top plan view thereof1 partly in section; Fig. 3 a cross section on line 3 3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a side view of a modified construction; Fig. 5 a similarview to Fig. 4 of another modification; Fig. 6 a similar view to Fig. 4 of a further modification; Fig. 7 a perspective sectional Vview of a further modification; Fig. 8 an illustration of the device in use and Fig. 9 an elevation of the collar shown in Fig. 8.

In its simplest form, the device comprises a dumb-bell or weighted bar 10 preferably composed of detachableI units, so that its weight may be varied to suit the particular exercise or person making the exercise. Engaging around the intermediate cylindrical units 10 of the device, are loops 11 of leather or other suitable material formed with extensions 11 to which are attached the means for supporting the dumb-bell or bar 10 on the feet of the user. In the form of construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, these means consist of two superposed straps 12, 13 of leather or the like, which are riveted or otherwise fastened to one another .at tha? ends, as at 14, and at intermediate parts, as at 15, to form loops 16 adapted to fit around the feet of the wearer as shown. These loops may be securely held in position on the feet by means of straps 17.

Fixed to the intermediate portion on the straps 12, 13, preferably by means of a swivel joint 18, is a ring 19 or the like for the attachment of chain 20 or the like. To position the loops 11, the cylindrical sections or units 10 are formed on the circumference at the outer ends with annular grooves 102, which the loops 11 engage. The loops are held in the grooves 102 by the end sections or units 103, which constitute the weights proper and which are of larger diameter than the intermediate cylindrical sections 10, so as to form shoulders 104. In use the device is applied to the feet of the user, as described, and the person, while in lying position, moves his legs up and down.

When the weights are heavy or when it is desired to also use the arms and the upper part of the body in this exercise, the chain 2O or the like, is attached to the ring 19 and the user pulls the chain with his hands, while moving his leOs.

In the aforedescribed construction, the device is made to fit both feet at the same time and the legs of the person using it are thereby held together and cannot be moved separately.

In the modification, according to Fig. 4, the device 21 is constructed, so that it may be separated to be used one on each foot. To this end, separate straps 22 are provided, each constructed, as inthe first example, of two superposed sections joined at their ends to form loops 23. Each loop is attached to flaps or extensions 24 of the straps 22 adapted to engage the bar 10. The inner ends of these straps 22 may preferably be formed with means, whereby, if desired, the two devices may be joined to a single piece. In the example shown, these means consist of a rigid member 25 to be detachably fixed to the inner ends of the straps 22 by bolts 26.

Instead of a rigid member, the two dumbbells may be united by an elastic member 27, such as a. rubber strap, as shown in Fig. 5. TVith such construction, the user will be allowed, while lifting his legs, also to move them apart and thereby perform additional exercises for the development of certain other muscles @if the less In the modification shown in Fig. 6, separate arm straps 28 are sliowiiattached to the loops 16 instead of the single strap or chain 2O in the first example. i

For exercises to be performed by an invalid or to facilitate the lateral movements of the weighted legs on the floor, I found the following construction to be very advantageous. The loops 11 carrying the dumbbells lO are attached t0. metal plates QI SOMS 29 which, .by means of the 1.00125 16, like the first example, fit on the feet. The heel end of each `sole is provided with a caster 30, so that when they person is lying on the floor with the dumb-bells applied to his feet, the soles 29 will bear on the floor with their Casters and thereby ,facilitate the movement of the legs.

For the simultaneous development of the 'niuslesof .the neck and fol ,facilitating the lifting of the legs, when heavy dumb-bells are used, I may use a collar band 31, which is applied around the neck of the user. The straps or bands 218 or the chains 20 entending from the loops 16 are adapted ,toi be zattached to, saidy collar.

` The collar 31 may be vformed to adj ustably fit around the neck of the wearer and have suitably fixed to Yit rigid lateral arms 32 having suitable means for the attachment of the straps or chains.

I have found that with devices .of the ercises may be conveniently and effectively t performed, whereby different muscles of the legs, arms, abdomen and neck, vas well as those lof other parts of the body, can be quickly developed.

IlVhat I claim is l. A device for physical training, comprising weighted members elasC-llly Connected together, and flexiblemeans for the attachment of each'member to ,a foot.

2. A device for physical training, confiprising a weightedmeans, Va rigid sole to which said means are attached and which is formed with a roller to bear on the floor, When exercising, and flexible means for the attachment of `Said Weighted meer@ .to the feet of the user.

3- A device. for physal training', prisme' Weighted means Composed @i der .tahable units and @Xivwbly connette@ t0.- gether, and flexible means for the attachment of said mea-11S. to the feet Of the 11591- yIn testimony whereof ,affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILJO U. ALASTALQ. Witnesses: Y

MAX D. DRQHlviANm Josnrrr T. M GMaHoN. 

